A Strictly insider stated: ‘A few years ago Phil Tufnell had a similar problem. He had keyhole surgery early one week and then danced the following weekend. We desperately hope Russell can too as he’s one of the best characters on the show.’

The source added that Russell is a ‘real fan favourite’ and his loss would be huge should he be forced to quit.

Russell – dressed as the Devil – and Flavia entertained fans once more last night with a Halloween-themed rumba to Kylie Minogue’s Better The Devil You Know.